HIGHGATE, St Mary — Three years after he was appointed the first male principal of the all-girls’ Marymount High School, Alphonso Christie is confident he has made an impact even as he aims to move the school to higher heights.

Established in 1935 by the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, the school is now celebrating its 90th year with a tradition of helping young girls transition to outstanding women.

Christie was appointed principal in 2022, succeeding Lorna Bailey who served the school for more than five years before retiring.

During a recent interview with the Jamaica Observer, Christie pointed to a major improvement in CSEC English language passes at the school since he was appointed.

He noted that the passes moved up by 10 per cent to 70 per cent in his first term as principal, then hit 80 per cent. He now has his sights set on 90 per cent for next year’s results.

“When I came the English language passes were low and I asked the question, ‘What was wrong?’ And we — meaning my staff, the students and I — worked on a solution to get it higher. Our ultimate goal is to reach 100 per cent,” the proud principal told the Observer.

A former vice-principal of St George’s College, Christie saw his transition to the all-girls’ institution as a new chapter in his professional life.

“The transformation for me was seamless as I love what I do. They needed an injection of father figures. There are six male teachers, and my job is to ensure that the young ladies see a father figure there and a male figure that shows them respect for them to value themselves,” Christie explained.

He wants the students to see the school and all members of its staff as a safe space in which they are able to express themselves.

“We want to be involved not only in their school lives but also their family lives; just as how we want their family to be involved in their school lives,” said Christie.

As the school’s first male principal he brought a fresh perspective to the role. One of the initiatives he has introduced is rap sessions which his daughter has with the sixth formers.

“My daughter is overseas studying, and knowing how passionate I am about my job she would have talks with the young ladies. They don’t know her but based on this it seems as if they know each other from a long time. [It’s like] a big sister pep talk,” Christie explained.

Also under his leadership, Marymount High has established a holiday helpers’ programme which focuses on giving back to the community. The programme has been instrumental in brightening the lives of teenage mothers at the Women’s Centre of Jamaica and that of indigent and shut-in residents of Highgate to whom they donate care packages.

The initiative is in line with Christie’s belief that students should be encouraged to show empathy and kindness; and to understand and appreciate the struggles of others.

It is part of the principal’s overall goal of maintaining the school’s high standards and fostering a supportive learning environment. He has immersed himself in the day-to-day running of the school, taking a hands-on approach to overseeing infrastructure upgrades as he ensures students and staff have a holistic environment. He also believes in the importance of academic excellence, extracurricular activities and community service.

Christie sees the school’s motto ‘In Virtue Et Veritate — the English translation is ‘In goodness and truth’ — as a reflection of its “commitment to nurturing young women who are not only academically gifted but also socially responsible”.

He hopes his leadership and vision will inspire students, teachers and the wider community as the school continues its legacy of excellence and providing a nurturing environment for its young charges to thrive.

Whatever comes next will build on the accomplishments of the last nine decades. Many of Marymount High’s alumni have excelled at home and overseas. Among them is the first female ambassador to the United States from Jamaica and current Member of Parliament for Manchester North Eastern Audrey Marks; and principal of Shortwood Teacher’s College Dr Nadine Molloy.

Alphonso Christie, the first male principal of 90-year-old Marymount High School in Highgate, St Mary.Ingrid Henry

Marymount High School students enjoy their campus during lunch break. (Photo: Ingrid Henry)